Shelter Shutter History

12/13/2013 Belmar New Jersey Shelter Shutters were invented for, and first put in use at an elementary school in Ocean Township, New Jersey. Steve Beaudoin, owner of Belmar Window Shop, a window coverings specialty store, was asked by Principal Dr. Doreen Ryan to supply something to quickly black out view into some rooms from the hallway. Dr. Ryan requested something like a shutter be made. We took on the mission. The mission had several objectives.

#1. The shutter had to be ready to use at all times. #2. It had to work fast and block the view completely. #3. It had to be plain and inconspicuous. #4. It had to be durable. #5. It had to be reasonably priced.

About 20 prototypes later and nearly two years in review at the US Patent Office, Shelter Shutters were awarded US Pat. No. 9,243,445.

Inspiration

Our children are the future and we do everything we can to protect them. But while they’re at school, we trust their safety in the hands of others. In the past years, it has become apparent that schools are much more vulnerable than many realize.In the past, when lockdowns have taken place, teachers have been instructed to lock all the doors and have the students avoid the windows. They’ve used construction paper, fabric or other homemade methods to cover door windows, but this isn’t the safest technique. Also, roll down paper, or fabric or felt strips will NOT make a classroom appear dark and unoccupied. Just as important, hand-rolled or cord-operated shades will NOT return to the ready position easily or properly. It's all about safety! This was the inspiration we needed to design something that works well.

How Shelter Shutters Work

Weighing only ounces, Shelter Shutters work like a super lightweight cabinet door, and require a simple flip of the wrist to open and close. There is no other product that will operate as effortlessly and efficiently as Shelter Shutters.